Marquee upgrade needed at landmark theater

Fred Malloy of the Montrose Area Lions Club presented a $5,000 check to the MRC in support of the Montrose Theatre upgrades. STAFF PHOTO/STACI WILSON

BY STACI WILSON

For 92 years the Montrose Theatre has been a landmark on Public Avenue in the county seat.
And since the 1950s the marquee has beckoned film fans with announcements of the weekly shows.
But it is now in desperate need of renovations.
Theatre manager Rena Scroggins said, “Right now, it’s not solid. Rain goes in…. rain comes out.”
The marquee also requires constant care and maintenance to keep it working, she said.
With a new roof put on the building two years ago and the replacement of the original reel projector with digital equipment and surround sound, the Montrose Restoration Committee has set its sights on renovating the building’s signature sign.
At an open house event held Thursday evening at the theater, Fred Malloy of the Montrose Area Lions Club presented a $5,000 check to MRC to benefit the theater projects.
Estimated cost of the marquee project is nearly $39,000.
The new roof cost over $20,000; and the digital and surround sound conversion totaled nearly $75,000.
Guests at the open house were treated to food and drink and a showing of the classic film, “Out of Africa.”
“(MRC) is looking at long-term upgrades,” Scorggins said. “We’re looking at another 100 years.”